AI-Genie
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2024 Melanie Brown

 
This was an idea suggested by Erin -- Ed
 

 

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“Daddy, don’t be silly. You agreed to this cheer camp weeks ago. It’s only for two weeks.”

For a moment, I studied my daughter Denise who was trying to look all grown up. Her mother pushed me to agree, but now she’s gone. Not only were we divorced two years ago, but Piggly Wiggly is still claiming their shopping cart wasn’t at fault in the accident.

“Honey,” I said, taking her hand. “I really wasn’t fully on board. You mother really pushed hard for the camp. You’ve never been away from home for more than a day or two and let’s don’t even talk about the bus ride there. Surrounded by all those strangers! I won’t be able to keep an eye on you.”

Denise shook her head at me. “Now you’re beyond silly. Daddy, I’m sixteen! I don’t see a problem going to a camp with dozens of other teen girls. It’s just for two weeks – gah!”

I looked down at our clasped hands. “Does it really mean that much to you?”

Denise giggled. “Well duh! Everyone on the squad is going and coach said the camp would really help us. And I really want to go.” She held up her cell phone. “Look. I have their app up and everything. All you have to do is put in your credit card number. Please Daddy. I mean, you did promise.”

I took the cell phone from her and glared at it. I really don’t want her where I can’t keep an eye on her. She’s only sixteen. I don’t want to lose her. She looks so much like her mother. My fingers hovered over the phone’s keypad.

“Please, Daddy?” She smiled nervously at me. How can I tell her no?

I sighed deeply. “Okay. Since it means so much to you. But I want a call when the bus arrives and every night. Are we clear?”

Rolling her eyes at me, Denise said, “Yes, Daddy. We’re clear. Oh. They don’t allow cell phones in the camp.”

I started punching my credit card number. “I hope you get some good out of this camp. It’s damned expensive. There. Done.”

“Thank you so much Daddy!” She jumped up and threw her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. “I gotta go tell Janet!” She snatched her phone back and scampered off to her room for privacy.

I leaned back in my chair and sighed again. I idly tapped my credit card on the desk. I’m worried about the bus ride. People do get attacked on buses. And what kind of security does this camp have? How can I possibly keep Denise safe from a distance?

I rotated my chair to face my computer and brought up a search engine. For grins and giggles I searched for ways to monitor my daughter away from home. Several links popped up right away. Most were dumb, impractical and probably illegal.

One was different though. It wasn’t flashy or colorful to get my attention. Its web site had one prompt: “Enter what you desire and the AI Genie will provide a solution to your problem. Or your money back.” And they wanted twenty bucks for the service, no matter how big or how small. That was an amazing offer that was too hard to pass up. I laughed and clicked off the page. You’d have to be a total chump.

As I surfed around, I found I couldn’t really concentrate on anything. Denise’s mother I’m sure would tell me that I have to let her go someday. I can’t cling to my daughter the rest of her life. In fact, her mother did say that when the subject of the cheerleading camp first came up… a week before her accident. Damned Piggly Wiggly.

I hesitated a moment before bringing up my browser’s history and clicking on the link to the AI Genie page. I sat and stared at the screen for several long moments, resting my chin on my fist. I’m sure it’s a scam. They have a money back guarantee. Yeah. Like a crook would honor that. It’s just twenty bucks. Hell, I spend that much for lunch at Peaky’s. I brought up another page.

Now I’m curious. So what if it’s twenty bucks. I’ll skip lunch tomorrow.

I was a little surprised by what was on the screen. Must be the cookies. On the screen, it said, “Welcome back, George.” I have to say, that shook me a little.

On the prompt, I entered, “I want to monitor my daughter at cheer camp.”

The page prompted, “Daughter’s First Name:” I dutifully entered her name. At least it didn’t ask for personal information. As I started to enter my credit card number, I wondered how did I know they weren’t going to just suck my bank account dry?

A prompt appeared asking if I preferred to use a payment service instead. That would be better as I could control how much money left my account. I entered the account info and it asked me if twenty dollars was correct. I clicked ‘yes’.

Several moments went by with nothing happening. Finally, text appeared that read “Challenge accepted!” and the screen cleared after I clicked on the “OK” button.

“Hey!” I yelled at the computer. “Aren’t you going to tell me how to monitor Denise?” I felt foolish yelling at a computer but still. I foolishly slapped my computer monitor. I knew it was a scam! What a waste of money.

Disgusted with myself, I brought up a web page of my own guilty pleasure. Live stream of downtown Jackson Hole Wyoming. I just turn my brain off as I watch random strangers and cars go by.

*          *          *

Denise was still asleep when I got ready to go to work. I remembered fondly those sweet days of summer vacation. No alarm clocks. No responsibilities. Those were the days my friend. We thought they’d never end. That’s kinda catchy.

I gently brushed away Denise’s hair from her face. I bent down and softly kissed her forehead. I watched her sleep for a moment. At least I can keep her safe in the house. I shook my head as I grinned at myself. If I want to keep the house, I’d better leave for work.

The sun had just peeked over the horizon, promising a beautiful morning. It annoys me that it takes an hour to get to work. Maybe if we moved… who knows?

I shook my head thinking about the money I wasted on that stupid web site the night before. I’ll have to get creative on how to monitor Denise while she’s far away. Maybe bribe one of the councilors.

I chuckled. Why didn’t I think of that before? It’d be almost the same as being there myself.

*          *          *

I sat up abruptly, almost violently, in my bed and sucked in a lungful of air. I was sitting up in a small wood framed bed. What the hell?

“It’s about time you woke up.”

Startled by the voice, I turned to see Denise sitting a few feet from me on the end of another small wood framed bed. She smiled at me.

“D… Denise? Is that you? Where are we?” My mouth felt dry. I’d just watched her leave for camp yesterday on the bus.

She laughed. “Who else would it be, Candy? And if you don’t get out of bed, you’re going to miss the first day of cheer camp.”

“Cheer camp?” I looked around the room I was in.

There were two rows of beds and several girls standing about, chatting with each other. Denise and the other girls were all wearing blue shorts with white trim and a grey t-shirt that had in blue letters the words “Camp Cheer Star”.

Shaking her head, Denise said, “You must have been really tired last night. Get dressed so we can get breakfast.”

Still sitting up in the bed I said, “You go.” I noticed I was wearing a pink and white night gown.

Frowning, Denise stood up and folded her arms. “Nothing doin’ girl. Since you’re the new girl on the squad coach said I have to stick with you like ugly on an ape. I have to be your mentor – even at camp. So I’m keeping a close eye on you. Get dressed.”

“I have to pee.” And I did. I pulled my covers back and threw my legs over the side of the bed. Long strands of dark brown hair fell across my face. And nothing felt right.

Pointing, Denise said, “The head is that way around the corner, remember?” She laughed. “You’ve only been there like four times since moving into this room.”

I forced a smile. “Head? Are we in the Navy?”

Annoyed, she shook her head. “Just an expression I picked up from my dad.”

I chuckled. “Yeah. Dads will do that.” I was completely freaked out. How could I possibly be a girl and roommate to Denise at her cheer camp? This was insane. Could it have anything to do with wasting twenty bucks on that web site? That’s impossible! But how do I explain my current condition. Hallucination from the drugs my doctor recently put me on?

One way to know for sure is to pee right here in the room. But what if it’s not a hallucination? That could be really embarrassing. I stood up, slipped on the slip flops waiting on the floor next to my bed and walked in the direction Denise indicated.

The restroom was easy to find. Actually, bathroom would be a better name since it also had showers. A quick glance around revealed there were no urinals on the walls. I felt around the front of my nightgown and verified I had no use for a urinal. The bathroom was a beehive of activity with a half dozen girls. A couple of girls noticed me touching the front of my gown so I quickly moved my hand trying to find a pocket. Who am I kidding? There should be a special place in hell for women clothes designers.

Thankfully there were several open stalls so I quickly entered one and closed the door. I lifted the seat and stood in front of the toilet as I pulled the gown up. I just stood there a moment in confusion.

A voice outside the stall laughed and asked, “What are you doing in there? You’re facing the wrong way.” I guess she could see my feet under the door. What happened to privacy?

I put the seat down and said, “Sorry. When I went to bed last night I was a man.”

The voice outside the stall said, “You’re a weirdo.”

I pulled the gown up and sat down. “You got that right.” I finished my business, washed my hands and padded back to my bed.

At first I was shocked seeing girls in various stages of undress and surprised there was no screaming as I walked through. But I realized it was all just us chickens. I would have loved this back when I was in high school. Not being a girl. But getting to see all these half-naked girls.

“Hurry up and get dressed, Candy. Quit goofing around,” said Denise in an irritated tone.

Hesitant to get undressed not just in front of all these girls, but especially my daughter, I said, “Okay, okay. Why are you so grumpy?” My change of clothes were already laid out for me. Panties, a sports bra, shorts and the camp t-shirt.

As I picked up the sports bra, curious how to put it on, Denise said, “To be honest, I didn’t want t come but our coach said I should go to get my skills up. She wasn’t sure if she’d want to keep me on the squad.”

“That’s pretty cold,” I said. “How do you feel about that?”

Denise shrugged. “I’m here, aren’t I? I think she’s wrong, but there’s always room for improvement, right?”

I nodded. “That’s true.”

Denise laughed. “And what’s funny, coach wants me to keep an eye on you since you just joined the squad. Too bad about Nikki. I didn’t even know her family had a farm. Now get dressed, dork. I’m hungry.”

*          *          *

A plate of scrambled eggs and bacon made my stomach growl. I didn’t realize I was hungry until I had food in front of me. It smelled great and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

“Hey Candy. Denise. Mind if I join you?” I had no idea who this girl was.

Denise grinned at the girl. “Of course, Sarah. You don’t have to ask.”

Shrugging as she sat down with her tray, Sarah said, “I wasn’t sure. Sorry. I haven’t really met you, Candy.”

I smiled weakly at Sarah. “Nice to meet you, Sarah. I don’t bite.”

Denise swallowed a bit of scrambled eggs. “We’re all on the same squad after all.”

Sarah chuckled. “That’s true. Hey Dee. I have a question for you.”

Denise looked questioningly at Sarah. “What about?”

Nibbling on a slice of bacon, Sarah asked, “Are you dating Mark?”

Shaking her head, Denise said, “No. That went nowhere. He’s such a dweeb! Why? Do you want him?”

I looked at Denise. “What’s wrong with dweebs?” I’d been called that several times at work.

She chuckled. “You can have him.”

Sarah said, “I just wanted to let you know what I found out last night. We’re sitting on a gold mine.”

Denise wrinkled her brow. “What are you talking about?”

Grinning, Sarah said, “You know that row of trees over… well over that way. I don’t have a compass.” She pointed.

I looked in the general direction she pointed. “South.”

“Whatever,” said Sarah rolling her eyes. “What I’m trying to tell you guys is that on the other side of those trees is the football camp.”

Denise shrugged. “So?”

Grinning, Sarah said, “The coach made the whole team attend. Parker is there.”

Denise smiled. “Parker? He’s so gorgeous.”

Sarah leaned towards Denise. “And, he just broke up with Gina.”

Sitting up straighter, Denise said, “Serious?”

“Mmmhmmm. I was going to sneak over there after the morning session and see if I can spot Jerry.” Sarah’s eyes were bright with anticipation.

Denise laughed. “Sure. I’ll go with you. Want to come along Candy? Do you like any of the guys on the team?”

“I… I ah, not really.” I had no desire to look at football players, but I needed to keep an eye on Denise. This adventure really didn’t sound like a good idea. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Sarah shook her head. “Just leave her here. We don’t need to bring a stick-in-the-mud with us.”

I frowned. “I’ll go. I’ll go.”

“Great. We’ll meet up at that statue of the stinker.” Sarah said.

“Thinker.”

“Whatever.”

*          *          *

Sarah put her finger up to her lips. “Shhh. We’re not supposed to be here, guys. So be quiet.”

Janet, who we’d picked up after our cheerleading session, did a mock salute. “Aye aye cap’n.”

Denise poked Janet in the arm. She hissed, “Quiet, girl.”

As we crept through the line of trees, I said, “Maybe we should just go back.”

Sarah rolled her eyes at me. “Don’t be such a wet dishrag or we won’t bring you next time.”

We all laid down in the underbrush and then ooched forward. Janet whispered, “Hey. They’re just wearing shorts and t-shirts. Some of them not even shirts!”

Denise whispered, “Obviously they’re just working out. Oooh look! There’s Parker. Shirtless! What a hunk and a half.”

I looked in the direction Denise had pointed. “You like him?”

Sarah giggled. “You’re too slow, Candy. Denise already has him in her sights.”

I felt my face turn red. “No. That’s not what I meant. I…”

Denise laughed. “Yeah, right.”

Janet said, “You guys know there’s a dance Saturday night, right?”

Sarah looked confused. “A dance?”

Janet nodded. “Yeah. The camp organizes a dance for this Saturday and next Friday night since everyone leaves that following Saturday. The dance is for the cheerleaders, football team and the chess team.”

Denise laughed. “They have a camp for the chess team? There you go Candy!” Janet and Sarah both laughed. My face turned even redder.

“You girls need to leave,” said a stern male voice. We all looked up to see one of the football coaches approaching us. “This area is restricted for girls.”

We all slowly stood up and each of us said, “Yes, sir.” We hurried back to our own camp.

*          *          *

“I can’t believe you guys would do that!” said Ms. Knox our cabin’s councilor. “If you’re caught again, you could be expelled from the camp. And no refunds.”

“It was fun though,” said Sarah who was sitting on the end of her bed.

Ms. Knox sighed. “Just be careful you guys. You’ve been warned.”

Laying on her bed, looking over some notes from training, Denise asked, “Can I ask you a question, Ms. Knox?”

Giggling, Ms. Knox said, “You just did.”

Denise gritted her teeth. “Please, no dad jokes!”

Ms. Knox chuckled. “Okay, okay. What do you want to know?”

Raising herself on one elbow, Denise asked, “What’s this about a dance Saturday? I knew nothing about it. I didn’t bring a dress.”

Ms. Knox shook her head. “It’s in the brochure. Sheesh, doesn’t anyone read those things? Anyway you don’t need a dress. Everyone is expected to just wear their camp uniforms. They must be clean though. It’s just an informal dance to wind down the week. By Saturday everyone’s tired of coaches and doing cheers. It includes all the camps.”

I chuckled, “Including the chess camp?”

Ms. Knox smiled. “Even the chess camp.” She gave me a wink.

Sarah said, “Candy’s got the hots for a chess player.”

My face turned red. “I do not!”

Janet said, “Me thinks thou protesteth too much.”

Everyone laughed. I turned even redder.

*          *          *

I was so sweaty. I couldn’t wait to hit the shower. Who knew being a cheerleader was so hard? I remember back to my high school days, sitting in the field house and ogling the cheerleaders as they bounced around for the pep rally. And some of them bounced pretty good.

And I felt like I was in the Marines or something. Our coach reminded me of R. Lee Ermey, the drill instructor from Full Metal Jacket. But as a woman. At least I think she was a woman. I laughingly remember Denise saying being a cheerleader was fun. I’ve had fun before and this wasn’t it.

I laughed at something the coach said and she got right in my face and yelled, “On the ground! Now! Give me twenty!”

I asked, “Twenty what?”

You know, it’s a lie when they tell you there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

As we broke for lunch and were jogging to the chowhall, Denise punched me lightly in the arm. “What the hell were you thinking back there?” When did my baby start using words like ‘hell’? I knew camp was a bad idea.

Sucking in a couple of breaths and amazed I had the stamina again to jog, I said, “I can’t help it. I like to be funny.”

Denise smirked. “Well, I’d recommend not being funny with Sgt. Rock.” That was the new nickname we had for Coach Stone.

“No kidding!” I huffed as we stopped jogging right outside the chowhall “You know, I had more feminine drill sergeants in the Army.”

Denise gave me a funny look. “You’re a weirdo.” I followed her into the chowhall.

*          *          *

Janet grinned after swallowing her bite of salad. “Hey guys, guess what?”

“What?” asked Sarah.

“I saw several members of the chess team while I was getting my knee bandaged up at the infirmary this morning. I think two of them had fainted for some reason. The team captain is pretty cute though.”

Denise nudged me. “Well, there you go.”

Frowning, I whined, “Will you please stop?”

The girls laughed. Denise said, “You know we’re just ribbing you, but he might be worth looking into.”

Janet raised an eyebrow. “Not interested in boys?”

I shook my head. “I didn’t say that.” Did I just admit to liking boys?

Sarah said, “You should check him out Saturday. You’re going to the dance, right?”

I shrugged. “I hadn’t really planned on it”

Janet asked, “Aren’t we all going?”

Sarah said, “Of course we’re all going.” She glared at me.

Denise raised her hand and said, “Now now. If someone doesn’t want to go, they don’t have to. It’s no fun if you’re forced. I’ll just say this. We’ve all been training hard and I think the dance is a great way to blow off some steam. So everyone chill.”

*          *          *

You could cut the excitement in the air with a knife. It was Saturday and most conversations were dominated about the dance. Many of the cheerleaders had boyfriends on the football teams at the camp. Others hoped to meet someone on the football team. It seemed as if everyone had banded into little groups, doing each other’s nails or doing each other’s hair. Everyone was excited about dancing with their favorite football player.

During our cheerleader training, we weren’t allowed to wear make-up or nail polish. But now that it’s Saturday, it’s what Dad used to say, “It’s Katie bar the door.” I have no idea what that means. And wait. That wasn’t Dad. That was me. I shook my head in confusion.

No one, and I mean no one was talking about meeting anyone from the chess team. I felt sorry for them. They’re boys too. I chuckled. Yeah, boys who are terrified of talking to a girl, much less asking one to dance. Was that an unfair stereotype? Maybe.

I was just sitting in the TV room. Just watching TV.

“Candy!” shouted Denise. “What are you doing in here?! The dance starts in little over an hour from now. You haven’t done your make-up or anything!”

I shrugged. “I don’t think I’ll go. I don’t know anyone and I don’t even know how to dance.”

Denise laughed. “You go to meet people. And who cares if you can’t dance. I’ll bet none of the boys know how to dance. So let’s go get started on those nails so they’ll have time to dry.”

Feeling confused, I said, “But I thought you said if we didn’t want to go we didn’t have to.”

Giggling, Denise said, “I lied. Let’s get you ready.” She grabbed my hand and led me back to our bunk area.

We sat down on her bed and Denise held up three bottles. “Which color do you like?” I pointed at the pink. A moment later she was brushing the bright pink polish on my nails.

“While we’re waiting for the polish to dry, let’s do your make-up.”

“I don’t have any make-up,” I admitted. “I didn’t think I’d need any.” Yeah. I didn’t plan on being a girl this week.

Shaking her head, Denise said, “Sheesh, girl. Okay, you can borrow some of mine. I have some gloss that’ll match your nails. Move closer so we can turn you into a boy magnet.”

I started to protest, but it was obvious she was determined.

*          *          *

Three of our little group were giddy about the dance. Me, not so much.

Denise said, “I hope Parker will be there. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s my next boyfriend.”

Janet laughed. “You go girl.”

Sarah frowned. “If Jerry knows what’s good for him, he’ll be there.”

Janet glanced over at me as we approached the dance. “See any of the chess team, Candy?”

I rolled my eyes. “Can you please knock it off?”

Sarah said, “You look really nice, Candy. Stay away from my Jerry!”

I just shook my head. I have received quite a few compliments. I’ve certainly never worn make-up or nail polish before. It felt weird. I’m not sure I like it. Janet managed to style my hair a little in the short time we had. Should I be concerned about some boy liking me?

There were a ton of kids approaching the dance. The building is normally a lecture hall and oddly a camp movie theater. Next week they’re scheduled to show some sci-fi flick called Fantastic Mars. I think it stars Nathan Adams. Denise is a fan of his.

“There’s Parker!” squealed Denise and she scampered off.

With a mask of grim determination, Sarah said, “Jerry is in there somewhere. See you guys later.” She headed for the dance hall in a huff.

Janet sighed and looked over at me. “Wanna grab some pizza?”

I grinned. “Let’s go. I’m hungry.”

It seemed everyone at the camp was hanging out by the dance hall. Everyone was wearing their camp uniform. I only recognized a handful of the girls I share a cabin with. And of course, I don’t know any of the boys.

As we started to mingle, Janet nudged me in the ribs and pointed at a group of boys standing near the entrance. They were all skinny and most wore glasses. Janet giggled. “Nine will get you ten that’s the chess team.”

I shook my head. “Be nice. Not everyone can be a muscled, macho man. Besides, who wants some over-muscled dude?” Why did I say that?

A boy I assumed as a football player shouted, “Hey Janet!”

Janet called back. “Joe!” She looked over at me. “Sorry girl. You’re on your own.” She ran up to the boy who shouted and gave him a hug.

I looked around at the throng of kids talking and laughing. I shook my head and chuckled to myself. “I don’t need no man!” And I don’t. I headed over to the pizza table. I loaded up on two slices of pepperoni and a Dr. Pepper. I found a table in the corner by myself and sat down.

Except for three other girls, everyone was a stranger. Groups of teens laughing and talking. I felt hemmed in. Crowded by people I didn’t know. To ease myself, I brought up a web site I used to calm myself. It’s a live image from Teton Valley, Idaho. It’s a farm house with a barn, some trees and year round snow capped peaks of the Grand Tetons. Silly, I know. But it’s just so damned peaceful and quiet looking. I always wish I was there.

I heard a chuckle from behind me. I turned around and saw the cutest boy. Smiling, he said, “You watch that too? It puts me in a peaceful mood. It’s my guilty pleasure.”

I smiled hesitantly. “Yeah. Me too.”

The boy was holding a plate with three slices of pizza along with a Dr. Pepper. “Mind of I join you?” he asked. Oh my God. He wants to sit next to me! What do I say? He’s a boy, after all.

I smiled weakly and pointed at the chair next to me. “Sure. My name’s Candy, by the way.”

He set his plate down and pulled the chair out and sat down. “Nice to meet you, Candy. My name is Sylvester, but everyone calls me Sly.” He grinned and continued, “Let me guess. You’re a cheerleader.”

I giggled. “What amazing powers of deduction you have!” I looked him up and down. “I’m trying to guess what position you play in football.” I had a pretty good guess he wasn’t on the football team at all.

Looking embarrassed, Sly asked, “Would it bother you to lean I’m not on the football team at all? I’m the captain of the chess team.”

I grinned. “Oooh! I love a man with a brain!” When did I start loving men, brains or otherwise?

He chuckled. “I’m also in the math club.”

“Do you go to H. M. Murdock High?” I asked for no particular reason. The camps are populated from four area high schools.

Grinning broadly, Sly said, “I do indeed. Do you? ‘Cause I don’t remember seeing you.”

“I’m a transfer,” I lied. He nodded.

Sly swallowed the last of his pizza and downed what was left of his soda. He stared into his can few moments. He looked up and then looked away from me. A moment later he asked, “W… Would um you like to… um…”

I giggled. “Yes, I would.”

He stopped before finishing his question. He looked at me and asked, “You would?”

I nodded.

“I have to warn you I have no idea how to dance.”

I laughed. “Me either. I thought you were asking if I wanted more pizza.”

Looking crestfallen, he said, “Oh.”

I poked him in the arm. “I was kidding! Let’s dance.”

If his grin was any larger his brain would have fallen out. We both stood and he took my hand. I’ve never had a boy hold my hand before. He led me out to the dance floor. We both looked at how the other kids were moving and we tried to do the same thing.

I saw Denise poke Sarah and point at Sly and me. They both smiled. Sly and I had no idea what we were doing, but we were having fun anyway. At least I was. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d danced and it wasn’t with a boy.

We danced just kinda winging it for several songs. Then the room lights were lowered and the DJ started playing a slow song. Sly looked at me as he took one hand and placed his other hand on my waist. I put my free hand around his shoulder and he drew me closer. We started swaying back and forth. Talk about dreamy!

Our cheeks touched. Sly said, “Thanks so much for dancing with me, Candy. I know a girl as beautiful as you could have had any football player she wanted.”

I looked directly into his eyes. I could get lost in those deep, brown pools. I said, “I don’t want a football player.” I smiled at him.

The lights came back on and the DJ started playing “Goodnight Sweetheart” by The Spaniels. He said, “It’s midnight and the staff and management want to bring this party to a close. Thank you everyone for coming. I’ll be spinning the tunes next Friday to wrap up this year’s camp. Thanks again,.”

Sly and I stood there and stared at each other. He smiled and said, “Thanks for dancing with me. I really enjoyed it.”

“Oh me too!”

And before I could react, his lips were pressed against mine. Holy shit! I’m being kissed by a boy. Mmmmm! I’m being kissed by a boy.

We came back up for air and looked deeply into each other’s eyes. I could get lost in them. He touched my cheek. He said, “Good night. See you at school in the fall.” He turned and walked briskly away.

Will he? Will I go back to being me? That’s how it works, right? Right?

I caught up with the girls on the walk back to our cabin. Grinning broadly, Denise punched my shoulder.

“Well, look who got the big score tonight! Got a dance with the chess club president. And he’s a cutie too. And you didn’t want to come!” Denise noogied the top of my head.

“Hey, cut it out!” I cried.

Sarah grumbled, “I didn’t even get a kiss from Jerry,”

Janet laughed. “Looks like Candy won the night.”

I frowned. “I didn’t know it was a contest.”

They all laughed.

That night I dreamt of dancing with a gorgeous boy.

*          *          *

No lazy Saturday morning today. We all had to get up early, take a shower and get dressed. And then strip our beds and sweeping the cabin floor. Trash bags were handed around. Today, camp was over and we all go home. And I was confused.

I fully expected to wake up this morning in my own bed and wait for Denise’s return. But instead I woke up in the camp with all the other girls.

As I held a trash bag for her, Denise said, “I had fun at camp, but I can’t wait to get back home and being lazy.”

I nodded. “I hear ya, girl.”

Ms. Knox walked up to me while looking at some cards. “Candy, you need to hurry up. Your parents have come to pick you up and are waiting in the parking lot.”

Feeling confused, I said quietly, “My parents?”

Denise laughed. “Hey. At least you don’t have to ride home in the bus.” She picked up her bag. “I’ll walk out with you.” I nodded and picked up my bag.

As we walked out onto the parking lot, Ms. Knox came running up to us clutching a card. “Denise! Denise! I need a word with you!”

Two people I’d never seen before were waving to me. I turned around to see Ms. Knox speak quietly to Denise and a moment later Denise burst into tears.

I ran back to Denise. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Bawling, Denise turned to hug me. “It’s my dad!” She gulped down some sobs. “He’s dead!”

A cold chill flushed down my spine. “Dead?”

Nodding, Denise said, “He was killed in a stampede of pigs running from an overturned farm truck.”

Genuinely upset, I gasped, “That’s horrible! There’s no mistake?”

“What a stupid thing to think about. I don’t have my keys. I can’t go home. Dad was supposed to be home!”

I turned to look at my parents, looking over at me with concern. I said, “Just hold on a second.” I turned and ran to Mom and Dad.

After I explained to them about Denise’s situation, Mom said, “Tell her she’s welcome to stay with us as long as she needs.” I knew Mom would understand. I ran quickly back to Denise.

*          *          *

It was weird to be back in school at good ol’ H. M. Murdock High after a pretty crazy summer. Sly and I started dating. Denise broke up with Parker, but she was made head cheerleader. And the weirdest of all was my parents adopting Denise. It’s weird having to now share a house and a bathroom with another girl.

But the best part of having Denise as my sister… I can keep an eye on her… forever.

The End